Madagascar's president warns of attempted “violent” seizure of power

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has warned about an attempt at an “illegal and violent” seizure of power in the country.

“The President of the Republic wishes to inform the nation and the international community that an attempt is currently underway to seize power illegally and violently, contrary to the constitution and democratic principles,” Caliber.Az cites a report by AFP. 

The protests, which began on September 25, were triggered by power and water shortages, as well as escalating socio-political tensions. 

Rajoelina dissolved the government on September 29, firing PM Christian Ntsay and cabinet, apologising for failures, pledging World Bank-funded fixes, and soliciting new ministers via LinkedIn/email for "dialogue." He appointed Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo PM on October 6. Yet protests persisted into week three, demanding Rajoelina's resignation, senate/electoral court dissolution, and opposition leaders (e.g., ex-presidents Ravalomanana, Rajoelina's 2009 predecessor) rejecting cabinet posts as "betrayal."

Escalation peaked on October 11 when an elite army unit—ironically key to Rajoelina's 2009 coup—mutinied, clashing with gendarmes, driving into the capital's symbolic Place du 13 Mai, and joining protesters in cheers for ouster, refusing shoot orders. Rajoelina barricaded in Antananarivo with loyalists, accusing "unknown actors" (implying foreign-funded plot) of coup orchestration without evidence.

By Khagan Isayev